Steve Sarkisian Compares Jeremiah Smith To Legendary NFL WR Before Ohio State Clash

Steve Sarkisian Compares Jeremiah Smith To Legendary NFL WR Before Ohio State Clash originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

When the Texas Longhorns and defending national champion Ohio State Buckeyes meet in a season‑opening showdown at Ohio Stadium on Aug. 30, it will mark only the fifth meeting in a series that is deadlocked at 2-2.

Their most recent clash came in the College Football Playoff semifinal at the Cotton Bowl Classic on Jan. 10, when the Buckeyes pulled away for a 28-14 victory.

This season, the man drawing the most attention in Columbus is Ohio State sophomore wide receiver Jeremiah Smith.

On Thursday, Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian spoke with Colin Cowherd about how to contain a player of Smith’s caliber, using comparisons to a former NFL superstar.

"I had a chance to coach Julio Jones for two years in Atlanta. He reminds me a lot of him — big and physical, but yet fast. He covers ground, is strong at the point of attack and makes contested catches," Sarkisian said.

Sarkisian went on to emphasize the practical challenges: "He’s going to be moving around. He’s not going to be lining up in one position all the time. Ideally, you’ve got multiple people with eyes on him and guarding him. ... You better know where number four is at all times."

"You better know where #4 is at all times."

More from @CoachSark with Colin Cowherd on @OhioStateFB's Jeremiah Smith. pic.twitter.com/rgShVrQxqf

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) July 24, 2025

Born in Miami Gardens, Florida, Smith was the No. 1 recruit in the 2024 class and the highest‑rated wide receiver prospect in high‑school recruiting history.

Smith wasted no time making good on the hype.

As a true freshman in 2024, he exploded for 76 receptions and 1,315 receiving yards, an average of 17.3 yards per catch, and 15 touchdowns, shattering the FBS single‑season freshman record for both receptions and yardage.

His performance earned him Freshman All‑American honors, First‑Team All‑American recognition, Big Ten Receiver of the Year and Big Ten Freshman of the Year.

Texas visits Ohio State at noon ET Aug. 30 on Fox Sports.

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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 24, 2025, where it first appeared.